WIXLIB

EPT. 8, 2010 /PAGE 6xxEnjoy a mealunder the starsfor a good causeChester County’sPremier Beer StoreJOIN US FOROUR CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY!Beer Samplings - Free Hotdogs - GivawaysSeptember 25th, 2010!!GIGANTIC SELECTION !!Imports Micros DomesticsKegs Lottery Cigars Soda0554926Specialized 1/6 Keg Inventory!!OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEKMon.-Thurs. 9-9 Fri. & Sat. 9-10 Sun. 12-5www.extonbeverage.com 610-363-7020 310 E. Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA 19341Black Walnut WineryOpening a 2nd location!!!!Date: Friday, September 10th 4PM – 10PMLocation: Phoenixville, PA260 Bridge Street Phoenixville, PA 19460Phone: (484)924-8740Wine tasting, wine sales, and live music!Organic. Farm-to-table.Locally grown. Everybody’s saying it, butwho’s really doing it?The last dinner of the Farm Feastsseries will be held on Sunday, Sept.12, at Sugartown Strawberries FarmSean Weinberg, chef/owner of Mal- (650 Sugartown Rd., Malvern). Thevern’s Restaurant Alba, believes that rain date is Sept. 19. The cost is 95people need to know the source of per person.their food. Weinberg has built hisrestaurant in Chester County to be Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with horsclose to the farms where he buys his d’oeuvres and a glass of Sangriafood. He’s decided to host Farm served under a 300-year-old oak tree.Feasts; a series of seasonal dining Then diners will hop on a hayrideevents formally served under the for transportation to the table. Seatstars and designed to introduce din- ing is limited, so reservations are amust. BYOB. For reservations or iners to his food sources.formation, call 610-644-4009.Guests can talk to the farmers aboutgrowing and chat with the chef Restaurant Alba is open for lunchwhile he cooks a five-course feast on Thursdays and Fridays fromover a bonfire in the fields. They’ll 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is servedget to savor each farm-fresh dish on on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursa white tablecloth set with silver, day from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and Fridaychina and stemware. A portion of and Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m.Red Alert BandFor more than a decade this awesome unique show band has been entertaining theiraudiences. Playing many styles of music from the 60’s to today’s best dance sounds, theRED ALERT BAND is sure to please. www.red-alert-band.comDeb Callahan Band (Blues)xxCreative blues, soul and roots influenced original music with a powerful, emotionallyexpressive voice and engaging stage presence to deliver a unique, high energy live show.xwww.debcallahanband.comx**Weather permitting, the concerts will be held outdoors. In the case of inclement weather, theconcert will be held indoors and seating will be restricted to the 50 advance ticket holders. Purchasetickets in advance at the winery or by calling 610-857-5566. Feel free to bring your own food, lawnchairs & blankets. Purchase wine by the glass or bottle.No other alcohol allowed on site.xxx0555306xxxxxSEASONAL HOURS - CHECK WEBSITESugartown Strawberries Farm is onWillisbrook Farm. Farmer RobertLange runs this 114-year old farmthat grows strawberries, asparagus,pumpkins, corn, tomatoes and manymore seasonal items. (650 Sugartown Rd., Malvern, 610-647-0711,www.sugartownstrawberries.com.)Hives for Lives is a charity organization started by two beekeeping highschool students who lost theirgrandfather to cancer. They realizedthey could sell their honey to donateto cancer research, and have sinceraised 160,000 for their Local Honey, Local Money program to contribute to funds like the American Cancer Society, the Fox Chase Center, St.Jude’s and the Susan G. Komen for aCure foundation. For more information, visit www.hivesforlives.com.xxxxx3rd annual xxxxxConcert - Saturday, Sept. 25th - 6:30pm - 9:30pm (Adults Only)**Ticket Cost: 12, includes a sampling of 4 winesConcert - Saturday, OCT. 2nd - 6:30pm - 9:30pm (Adults Only)**Ticket Cost: 12, includes a sampling of 4 winesthe proceeds will go to Hives for For reservations, call 610-644-4009.Lives, a local charity that raises (7 W. King St., Malvern, www.resmoney to help cure cancer.taurantalba.com.)xxBike Fresh Bike LocalThe lush farmland of Southeastern Pennsylvaniawill be on view during the Bike Fresh Bike LocalChester County event on Sept. 26. Organized incollaboration with area bike clubs, the bike tourwelcomes riders of all abilities with a choice ofthree different routes -- a 25-mile ride, a 50-mileride and a 75-mile ride. New this year will be a“Family Fun” 5-mile ride.Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), takes its namefrom the Buy Fresh Buy Local national educational campaign and is meant to highlight those efforts.“The route takes riders soaring along un-trafficked country roads next to small farms that tendto the land the way it should be tended, and raisethe kind of foods we want our children to be eatThe event will begin and end at Victory Brewing ing,” says Royer Smith, one of the organizers.Company (420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown). Itruns from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 35 advance regis- “You’ll see bison and steers, horses and sheep,tration fee includes a T-shirt, rest stops that fea- goats and chickens,” says Smith, a PASA supportture energy drinks and wholesome snacks, and a er and executive chef at LaSalle University. “You’llpost-ride lunch of local foods and one free Victory pass fields that were plowed by a farmer and histeam of work horses, and you might have to slowmicrobrew (for those 21 and older).down for horse-drawn vehicles on the road.”Bike Fresh Bike Local Chester County, whose proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Association for To register, visit www.pasafarming.org/bikefresh.

xxxxPhoenixvilleSEPT. 8, 2010 /PAGE 7BYAMYSTRAUSSPHOENIXVILLE DISHPHOENIXVILLEDISH.COMFun GuideSUSHI, SASHIMI & CHINESE CUISINESUSHI BAR WEEKDAY SPECIAL!ALL YOU CAN EAT 19.99Limited time onlyGet physically,spiritually, financiallyfit in PhoenixvilleThe community bank will pair aBlack Walnut Winery wine tastingwith tasty tea sandwiches fromWest Chester’s Arianna’s GourmetTea Room at their Conference Center of Nutt Road. And while enjoying the free light fare, attendeescan design their own custom handbag from West Chester’s Pee DeeThe event, held at Reeves Park in Bee Bags, allowing you to add aPhoenixville, is a special Saturday new self-designed money holder tomorning boot camp beginning at 9 your closet’s mix.a.m. It’s open to everyone.Although handbags cost extra toIn keeping with the boot camp-in- design (prices range from 8 tospired “get fit” mentality, head over 80), two lucky ladies will eachto the new Soul Center (550 Kim- win their own set. Better yet, asberton Rd., Phoenixville), the stu- guests gush over fabrics, prints,dio that brings together yoga, handles and embellishments, Phoedance, music and spiritual teach- nixville Federal will inform newings in one space. They’ll be hold- designers about the best ways toing a grand opening on Sept. 11.adjust their financial futures andoffer suggestions on the smartestIf you want to dabble in free intro- places to put your stash of cash.ductory classes of Vinyasa Flow, Discussions will include: WhyFreedom Yoga, soul expression and women are better investors; themore, the latest healthful hub will myth that “someone will take careoffer hour-long sessions, followed of me”; how to assess risk; what areby an upbeat cocktail party for allpatrons at 6 p.m. that features entertainment by Yogini, Opera Diva,Natlie Levin and devotional sitarplayer Michael Golub.StudentDiscount! 12.00 minimum(Next to Walgreens & The Bistro) Any order over 25, Lunch not included. Cannot combine with other offers Must mention coupon when ordering Does not apply to Sushi Bar Special.expire date: 9/30/2010basic asset classes; what is properasset allocation; and how to usebonds for income.610-696-6687www.kingchefpa.comBUSINESS HOURS:Mon.-Thurs. 11 am - 10 pmFri. & Sat. 11 am - 10:30 pmSun. 11:30 am - 10 pmxxBring your moms, sisters and bestfriends or come solo, and learnabout your money-making decisions at this crafty workshop andsnacking session.Call 610-935-8304 or visit www.phoenixfed.com. And, if you are interested in pin-pointing more Phoenixville-based activities for your familyand friends, visit www.phoenixvilledish.com.Planning A Party?Birthdays-Graduations-PicnicsCall For Our Catering Menu0555391The Soul Center strives to concludetheir evening with a bang, slidinginto the night with a lively partylead by Group Motion. Participantswill join a dance/movement workshop with live music that makesmagic happen on the dance floor.0565112Cateringfor anyoccasion!704 W. NIELDS ST., (UNIT 3)WEST CHESTERxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxOf course, stylish and smart women know where to place their money -- in the prettiest handbags,which is why Phoenixville FederalBank & Trust’s upcoming eveningevent will be ideal for your nextgirls’ night. It will be held Thursday, Sept. 16, from 5:30 to 7:30p.m.WE DELIVER!0565036After the fundraising workout session last month with Great ValleyAdventure Boot Camp (workout4acause.com), the local get-fit gurushost another “Workout for a Cause”on Sept. 11 -- this time with proceeds slated for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for Breast Cancer.Call for details. Restrictions may apply.NO COUPONS with this special.

SEPT. 8, 2010 /PAGE 8Try something new at theRestaurant FestivalDo you love dining out in Chester WC Dish Choice Awards.of the year for the borough,” Ku- and apple and pear cobbler. An-BY County, but always have difficultyrowski said. “The best part is the draos is constantly including seaLESLIE picking just one restaurant? You Looking for a way to burn off all of cook-off aspect. It is not too often sonal and locally grown foods intoWEINBERG can sample as many as your heart those delicious calories? Bring your that chefs get to do their thing in her menu. The Mediterranean hasWC DISH desires at the 31st Annual Chester dancing shoes over to the stage are- front of large crowds, right on the participated in the Restaurant Festi-WCDISH.COMCounty Restaurant Festival on Sept. nas at Gay and Matlack streets, Gayand Darlington streets and the19 from noon to 5:30 pm.“Church Street Café.” There willBooths from more than 60 restau- also be 110 arts and crafts and nonrants -- serving everything from profit booths woven along Highdeep-fried lobster mac and cheese Street from Matlack Street to Chestbites to chicken cheesesteak wont- nut Street.ons -- will be lined up on Gay Streetbetween Matlack Street and Dar- Thirsty visitors can enjoy a freshpint or glass of wine at the “Churchlington Street in West Chester.Street Cafe” on the corner of MarketAccording to West Chester Parks and Church streets. There is a 3and Recreation Department director cover to get into this beer and wineKeith Kurowski and intern Renee garden, and it goes directly to theRyan, the department encouraged Parks and Rec Summer Camp Fund.restaurants to offer smaller portions Visit www.wcdish.com for perforof creative dishes at lower prices, so mance schedules and to see thisfestival-goers can enjoy more of year’s participating restaurants.what the festival has to offer. Thisyear, participants can text in their “West Chester is the hub of Chestervotes for their favorite dishes for the County, and this is the biggest eventCourthouse steps.”From 2 to 5 p.m. on the steps of theCounty Courthouse (2 N. High St.),four local chefs will be judged by ajury of four local food experts to determine the best chef in ChesterCounty. The ever-popular ChesterCounty Culinary Challenge consistsof three rounds: Appetizer, entréeand dessert. Each round will last 30minutes and a surprise ingredientdonated by Buy Fresh, Buy Localwill be introduced at the beginningof each round.val for the past 11 years and hasquite the history with the event.“We love the Restaurant Festival.Actually, our first day of businesswas on the Restaurant Festival [13years ago] and lots of people whoknow us and worked for us over theyears show up. It’s a huge celebration for us,” Andraos said.Last year, about 22,000 people attended the festival, so be sure to getthere early to beat the lines. Theonly food not included in the festival is pet food, so please leave yourfour-legged friends at home. For theMargaret Andraos, co-owner of The special price of 2, participants canMediterranean, placed second in the park all day at any of the boroughCulinary Cook-off last year with her parking garages.crab cakes over portobello mushrooms, vegetable and potato frittata,Fun will be sprouting at theMushroom FestivalBYLESLIEWEINBERGWC DISHWCDISH.COMThe 25th Annual Kennett SquareMushroom Festival will be fromSept. 10 to 12 on State Street indowntown Kennett Square. Of thetotal U.S. mushroom production,Chester County mushroom growersaccount for 54 percent. Commercialmushroom production in the U.S.began in Kennett Square more than100 years ago.“It’s exciting to be celebrating our25th year,” says Mushroom Festivalcoordinator Kathi Lafferty. “We’veplanned all sorts of great events forthis year’s festival.”The community parade -- with its“Kennett Square is Cool” Float Contest, marching bands and community groups -- will kick off thisfun(gi) weekend on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.On Saturday, visitors can enjoy anantique and classic car show. Six local finalists will compete during theAmateur Mushroom Soup Cook-offto be named “Best Mushroom Soupof the Brandywine Valley.” WSTWFM will be sponsoring a Saturdayafternoon concert by Bombshel atthe Special Events Tent.There are lots of great events for thefamily throughout the weekend:The Old Fashioned Carnival at 600S. Broad St. (Friday from 6 to 10 p.m.,Saturday from 4 to10 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.); guided toursof local mushroom farms; the Grower’s Exhibit, where you can see thestages of mushrooms; live musicand lots of children’s entertainment,including ventriloquists, magicians,musicians and jugglers. The StreetFair has more than 200 vendors andeven has mushroom sculptures,mushroom jewelry, and lots of varieties of mushrooms to sample -from mushroom ice cream to grilledportobello mushrooms.Throughout the weekend, guestchefs will be doing live cookingdemonstrations in the CulinaryTent. Local and regional chefs including Dan Butler (one of the firstchefs in America experiment withportobello mushrooms), Ray Maxwell (Wyncote Golf Club), Steve Latona (The Restaurant School of Philadelphia), Alfred Jackson (KennettSquare Inn) and Janet Zappalla, (TVhost and author of “My ItalianKitchen”) will be sharing their recipes.Farm Creamery of Hockessin. Eightyears ago, festival coordinators approached the owner, Jim Mitchell,and asked if he could come up withan ice cream containing mushrooms. He rose the challenge, andthey now serve cream of mushroomand pumpkin mushroom (both contain frozen mushrooms and have anearthy taste), and chocolate toadstool -- a chocolate ice cream withwhite chocolate mushrooms.“We came up with something thatpeople found unique. The commentwe get a lot is, ‘It’s not as bad as wethought it would be,’” Mitchell said.“We enjoy going to the festival every year. It gets bigger and bigger.”Talula’s Table, Portobello’s, HalfMoon, Kennett Square Inn andNewton’s adopt a mushroom menufor the festival. Last year, Talula’sSunday will be kicked off with a Table offered mushroom crepes andmushroom 5k run/walk, and it will Kennett Square had mushroom dip. For ages 12 and older, admission isbe “Go Pink Day” to benefit cancer 2 (all proceeds benefit local and reresearch. Did you know mushrooms “It’s nice to see lots of people fill up gional non-profits). Leave pets atare incredible healthy? Four the the town and fun to see the town home. The festival offers three parkcountry’s leading nutrition and can- come together over one food item -- ing lots and a shuttle service for 5 acer researchers will be giving lec- something they are all proud of,” car. For a full schedule of events,tures on this low-calorie, fat-free and said Talula’s barista Sarah Reese.visit www.mushroomfestival.org.cholesterol-free food. Enjoy somePhotos by Kathi Laffertlocal wine or a fresh bowl of mush- One thing you can’t miss while youroom soup at the Soup and Wine are at the Mushroom Festival: MushFestival.room ice cream from Woodsidexxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxChester CountyxxxxxRoad TripChef Q&A:DEL FRISCO’SBYANDYHACHADORIANEDITORRich Furino of Del Frisco’sDouble Eagle SteakhouseOnce in a while, you go to a restaurant and your jaw drops. It’sone of those “wow” moments weall talk about. It’s the experienceof seeing something you know istruly special, something someone took great pains in buildingor designing.SEPT. 8, 2010 /PAGE 9crown moldings, small statues and operation? Nothing but themarble everywhere. Basically, you best?couldn’t build a building like the Absolutely, we strive to be, and onlyPackard these days.serve, the best.Is there a chance Del Frisco’swould migrate to the suburbs? King of Prussia?We already have a Sullivan’s SteakOh yes, and then there’s the food,house in King of Prussia.Why Philadelphia for awhich is terrific. From 5 appetizersHow do you compete with allto high-end filet mignon, Del Fris- location?WecametoPhillybecauseitisaof the other fine diningco’s seems to have captured theheart of the everyday Joe as well as great American city with a rich culi- establishments? What setsnary tradition that allows us to cater you apart from the rest?the city’s royal diners.to our guests that live in the city and Genuine hospitality is what trulyDel Frisco’s is just that place. Andwith the Center-City District Res- Rich Furino, general manager, was all of the suburbs.sets us apart.taurant Week around the corner, quite the host and tour guide. On awe decided to give the place a try, recent visit, we got a peek at the en- What are the typical reacHow has the economy of theespecially since they’re one of the tire facility, from the wine tower to tions of first-time patrons?past couple of years affectedparticipating restaurants.the kitchen area and the basement Our first-time guests usually dropyour business? And didn’tvault. We tasted filet mignon medal- their jaws at the beauty of the buildOfficially known as Del Frisco’s lions, the prime filet mignon cuts ing. They are also overwhelmed by you open up right in the thickof it all?Double Eagle Steakhouse, the down- and, of course, their famous slow- our hospitality.We did open in the middle of thetown Philly facility is just an amaz- roasted and hand-carved prime rib.downturn. We offered great valueing place. Located in the historic There’s a reason they are known as a Is there a favorite dish towith our lagniappe and happy-hourPackard Building, it has 23,000 steak house. They do them, and they serve from your chefs?square feet of space. After all, the do them very well. But that’s not Our Bone-In Filet Mignon. There are menus. We also take pride in theamazing food we serve. We feel ourPackard Building itself dates back to all only two of these cuts per steer.prices are very fair for the portionthe 1920s at 15th and Chestnutsize, and our commitment to onlystreets – all 400,000-plus square feet, You seem to serve such aName drop some favorite using the best.with 26 stories.A couple of years ago, the Del Friscofolks – who have locations aroundthe nation, including New York City– decided to invest some seriouscash into the renovation and retrofitting of the Packard Building. Forexample, there’s a wine tower witha couple of thousand bottles justwaiting to be uncorked. And if that’snot impressive enough, there’s a former bank vault in the basement thatnow serves as a dining area. Don’tworry -- the doors are secured sothere’s no chance of getting stuckinside. (Although, with some of thewines in the 1,000-plus range, thatwouldn’t necessarily be a badthing.)wide array of customers.How can you do it? Howtough is it to sell 5 appetizers and 3,000 bottles ofwine?big names who have comeby?Robert DeNiro, Bradley Cooper,Shane Victorino, Bernard Hopkins,and many members of the FlyersNot tough at all. We serve a wide and other athletes.spectrum of guests with differentwants and needs. We do feature 5 Do you find a lot of Phillybar entrees on Wednesday, Thurs- suburbanites come to yourday and Sunday for our valued place? How do you know?guests at our bars and the lounge. Do they let you knowAs you said, we do offer some amazthey’re from out of theing wines ranging from 30 to 3,000, so there really is something city?We do have many peoplefor everyone.from New Jersey and theMain Line. We know thisThe ownership has spared no because, as managers, weexpense in the renovation of touch every table and northe building. Is that anmally ask where our guestsare visiting from.You’ll find original woodwork, attitude shared at yourxxxxDel Frisco’s DoubleEagle Steak House1426-28 Chestnut St.Philadelphia215-246-0533The VIP Club 5 bar entrees, and cocktailsfrom 4 to 7Sundays 5 to 10 p.m.Wednesdays and Thursdays5 to 11 p.m.Center CityDistrictRes

to grab a seat! Nothing beats the Barnaby's Patio any night of the week. Great atmosphere, great spe-cials, and a great staff!! Every bar and restaurant in West Chester is unique and that's what keeps the night life going strong." Barnaby's 15 S. High St. West Chester 610-696-1400 xx favorite places WCU students pick their BY MARY